Indian Knowledge System (IKS) Cell

The Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) Cell at The Assam Royal Global University has organized the following events this semester (April-May, 2024)

1. Conduction of IKS course: As per the guidelines set by the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) Syllabus for the Undergraduate Course consists of two introductory courses, namely "Introduction to IKS-1" and "Introduction to IKS-2," each worth 3 credits. These courses are taught to undergraduate students during their 1st and 2nd semesters. Currently, more than 1400 students enrolled under the UG 1st and 2nd semester, organized into 20 groups, have competed in the IKS-1 foundation course and presently undergoing the IKS-2, foundation course.

2. Poster Launch Ceremony and Lectures on Indian Knowledge Systems, 25thApril, 2024:

Event: Poster Launch Ceremony of the State-Level Research Paper Writing Competition – ViViBha, in partnership with BharatiyaSikhshan Mandal. This competition aligns with our academic vision encapsulated in "Vision for Viksit Bharat." -

a) Poster Launch Ceremony: This ceremony serves as the inauguration of the State-Level Research Paper Writing Competition and will feature the unveiling of posters announcing the competition. This competition invites participants to submit research papers on topics related to Indian Knowledge Systems, encouraging scholarly engagement and exploration of diverse aspects of Indian heritage, culture, and knowledge traditions. This competition aligns with our academic vision encapsulated in "Vision for Viksit Bharat”.
b) Lecture on Indian Knowledge Systems: Alongside the competition launch, two distinguished lecturers were organized, exploring various facets of Indian Knowledge Systems.
I. Plenary Lecture I, by Prof. (Dr.) Kameshwar Shukla, Professor, Department of Sanskrit, Gauhati University.
Title: BharatiyaSikshan Mandal and Indian Knowledge System
II. Plenary Lecture II, by Prof. (Dr.) Uday Dixit, Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Head, IKS Center, IIT Guwahati
Title : IKS and NEP 2020

3. Interdepartmental Event: Exhibition on Culture and Heritage & a Lecture session in association with INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage), May 20th -22nd , 2024
Collaborating Department of RGU: Departments of History, Fine Arts, Architecture, and Travel and Tourism

A. Three-day exhibition themed "Culture and Heritage"
The three-day exhibition on Culture and Heritage was organized by Indian Knowledge Systems Cell, RGU in association with INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) and the Departments of History, Fine Arts, Architecture, and Travel and Tourism. During the exhibition, various aspects of culture and heritage were showcased through artifacts, artworks, photographs, documents, and interactive displays. Collaboration with INTACH and the academic departments ensured a comprehensive representation of diverse cultural facets, including historical events, artistic traditions, architectural marvels, and tourism attractions.
B. Lecture Session, May 20th , 2024:
Speaker: Ms. Vandana Manchanda, Director of the Architectural Heritage Division and Head-Heritage, Crafts, & Community Division at INTACH
Title: Craft Revival and its Socio-Economic Impact on Communities.
Ms. Vandana Manchanda highlights the concept of Craft Revival, which entails the resurgence of traditional artisanal practices and the advocacy for handmade goods within local communities. This revival plays a pivotal role in reshaping the socio-economic landscape of these communities. In essence, craft revival serves as a catalyst for the economic advancement and social prosperity of communities.

4. Lecture Session: "Abhinaya - Folk Elements in Indian Cinema and Theatre" by renowned veteran actor and Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee Shri Pranjal Saikia, May 24th 2024.

Organizer: IKS Cell and DSW at RGU
Speaker: Shri Pranjal Saikia
The IKS Cell and the Office of Student Affairs (DSW) at RGU have organized a lecture session on "Abhinaya - Folk Elements in Indian Cinema and Theatre" by renowned veteran actor and Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee Shri Pranjal Saikia.
Abhinaya refers to the expressive elements in Indian cinema and theatre, with a particular emphasis on the use of folk elements. These folk elements encompass traditional storytelling techniques, music, dance, and cultural practices that have been handed down through generations in Indian communities and various art forms including cinema and theatre.

5. Interdepartmental Event: A distinguished lecture session, May 27th , 2024.

- Organizer: IKS Cell in collaboration with the Departments of History, Architecture, and Travel and Tourism at RGU
- Speaker: Dr. Nachiket Chanchani, Associate Professor of South Asian Art and Visual Culture at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
- Topic: Decoding India’s Temples and the Challenges of Reconstructing Them
Highlights: "Decoding India’s Temples and the Challenges of Reconstructing Them" delves into the intricate process of unraveling the mysteries embedded within India's temple architecture while addressing the formidable obstacles encountered in their reconstruction. This lecture likely navigates through the multifaceted layers of symbolism, history, and spirituality inherent in these sacred structures. Moreover, it sheds light on the complexities involved in preserving and restoring temples, ranging from architectural intricacies to socio-political considerations.

1. Interdisciplinary lectures within the university: Two Interdisciplinary Talks were organized by the Royal School of Language (Department of English) and the Department of Travel and Tourism Management. They invited Dr. Saswati Bordoloi, Assistant Professor of the Indian Knowledge Systems Cell, RGU to deliver the lectures.

i. Lecture I: Manuscript Studies and the Digital Humanities: Exploring New Frontiers with Traditional Indian Knowledge Systems
- Organizer: Department of English
- Date: May 8, 2024
-Speaker: Dr. Saswati Bordoloi, Assistant Professor, IKS Cell.
The presentation delves into the intersection of manuscript studies, digital humanities, and traditional Indian knowledge systems. It explores how modern digital technologies can be leveraged to study and preserve ancient manuscripts containing valuable insights from Indian knowledge systems. By combining traditional wisdom with contemporary digital tools, this lecture aims to unlock new avenues for research, interpretation, and dissemination of India's rich cultural heritage.

ii. Lecture II: Harmonizing Heritage Tourism: Integrating Indian Knowledge Systems for Sustainable Preservation and Economic Empowerment
- Organizer: Department of Travel and Tourism
- Date: June 15, 2024
-Speaker: Dr. Saswati Bordoloi, Assistant Professor, IKS Cell.
This lecture explores the concept of combining traditional Indian knowledge systems with contemporary heritage tourism methods. The aim is to preserve cultural heritage sustainably while empowering local economies. By harmonizing these diverse approaches, the lecture suggests a more effective and beneficial strategy for promoting and preserving Indian heritage sites and practices.

2. A distinguished lecture by the honourable Vice Chancellor Sir, Prof. (Dr.) S. P. Singh: Role of Indian Knowledge Systems in Scientific Research.

Organizer: IKS Cell, RGU
Date : 6th June, 2024.
Speaker: Prof. (Dr.) S. P. Singh

Professor (Dr.) S. P. Singh delivered a captivating lecture on India's knowledge system's scientific facets, highlighting its evidence-based nature and pivotal importance for the nation's future.